Lakers News: Kobe Bryant as Determined as Ever to Return

Kobe Bryant is dealing with another long-term injury, but the five-time champion is determined to once again suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Just six games into his return from an Achilles injury, Bryant went down with a fracture of the lateral tibial plateau in his left knee during a game against the Grizzlies. At the time, Bryant did not expect to be sidelined but an MRI later showed that he will miss about four-to-six weeks.

“I think I feel more locked in now than I’ve been my entire career because of this,” Bryant said. “The spirits are fine, the focus is great. Just going to see what happens when I come back.”

The Lakers are also dealing with a plethora of injuries as Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Pau Gasol are all missing games. Even though Los Angeles is not a championship team, it can stay competitive in the Western Conference if all of its stars stay healthy.

Many people are doubting Kobe’s ability to return to an elite level and although there are no guarantees that he can be an MVP caliber player, he will certainly help this team sneak into the playoffs.